I think the ending was a bit of a cheat. Having her husband die sanctified Irina's marriage and allowed her to construct her choice to marry and stay with Ramsey as the right choice; as the only choice that would lead to happiness. Exploring an ending that allowed Ramsey to live and explored whether Irina's love, lust, sexual obsession or whatever it was she had for Ramsey could withstand the pressures of poverty and insecurity would have allowed for a more complex exploration of the struggle to find a balance of happiness, peace and passion without a woman's life.

The also author seems to be trying to make a statement about the importance of love and emotional commitment as the most basic need for a woman. However, she doesn't really explore whether this need is basic for men. In addition, I finished the book still asking myself who is Irina outside of her relationship with a man? Both of Irina’s husbands exist without her (and seemingly pretty happily), but Irina almost fades away without the protective arms of a man. Her need to be romantically and sexually connected to another is all there really is of her. I find this to be a tremendously sad way of viewing women and relationships. Shriver seems to be saying that not only can women not have it all, but they really don't even want it all. She eliminates complexity and layers from women in a way that social conservatives would approve. Her literary trick implies that Irina only had two possible paths, stay with a man who leaves you tepid but safe or stay with a man who ignites you but makes you miserable. In the end, I found this to be a very dichotomous exploration of oft-played scripts for women which foretell of only two choices in life.

The writing is so stilted and lacking in authenticity that I just couldn't concentrate on the story. I closed this novel forever at page 20. I There are too many wonderful pieces of writing that I have yet to read for me to spend my time on something so unsatisfying.

This book alternates from tedious prose to disturbing and graphic violence. Also, the author’s blatant proselytization of his ideological and religious beliefs became tiring very quickly. No more Dean Koontz for me.

I just couldn't finish it. I tried, I really did. But after 65 pages I had to stop wasting my life reading this bone-numbing bore of a novel, filled with characters who have very few redeeming qualities. I've read every one of Patrica Cornwell's novels, but this will be probably be the last. There are so many great novels in the world, I just don't have the time to waste reading such unsatisfying and annoying tripe.

It started off strong, but became so tedious in the middle. The major character is so unlikeable, but still relatable. Throughout the book I just wanted to shake Nora and tell her to wake up to reality. The big betrayal at the end wasn't at all surprising, but given Nora's lack of insight into other people I suppose it was a shock for her.